Best Military Watches

Review & Comparison, Last Update August 30, 2024
Military watches are a multifunctional gadget with a high degree of reliability. Today it is a choice of active people who value functionality, safety, and style. If you are one of them, pay attention to the review below and pick the watch which best meets your expectations. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Movement
Dial
Band
Special features
Protection
Warranty
 
PROS

The unique heavy-duty design withstands any load: shock, drop from a 33-foot height, water pressure of 10 bar.   Also, the watch is protected from magnetic fields.

CONS

Alarm speaker is weak.

OUR VERDICT

Casio G-SHOCK is a men's multifunctional watch from the world-famous Japanese brand. It will ideally suit self-confident men who lead an active lifestyle and follow fashion.

detailed parameters
Movement

Analog and digital

Dial

Black 37 mm resin case, mineral glass dial window, auto LED light with afterglow

Band

29 mm, resin

Special features

World time in 29 times zones, 48 cities + UTC, daylight saving on/off, home city/world time swapping, stopwatch, countdown timer, full auto-calendar (until 2099), selection distance input (0.0-99.9), date, day of the week, 5 alarms (4 daily and 1 snooze), hourly signal

Protection

33 feet free-fall endurance, 10-bar and 660 feet water resistance, magnetic resistance

Warranty

1 year limited

PROS

An exclusive backlight technology Indiglo allows you to read information from the dial comfortably in different use conditions.

CONS

Requires manual winding.

OUR VERDICT

Timex TW4B10200 military watch with a chronograph is made almost in classic design without aggressive elements. The textile watch band is cozy, reliable, and fits perfectly with clothes of different styles.

detailed parameters
Movement

Analog

Dial

Black 43 mm brass case, mineral glass dial window, Indiglo light

Band

20 mm, nylon

Special features

30 minute chronograph measures to 1/20th second, date window at 4 o’clock, Quick Date function

Protection

330 feet water resistance

Warranty

1 year

PROS

All navigation buttons are protected from accidental pressing: you can activate them only by pressing with a particular force. Thus, even in the most extreme situations, no settings get busted.

CONS

Screws on the case back may cling to the hair on the arm.

OUR VERDICT

Men's sports watch Casio DW5600E-1V is a functional and stylish accessory that is popular among everyone who loves the adrenaline rush and is not afraid of difficulties. With this watch, you can dive deep into the underwater or climb the mountain peaks. The lightweight polymer wristlet won't rub against the skin.

detailed parameters
Movement

Digital

Dial

Black 45 mm resin case, dial window of the scratch-resistant mineral glass, EL light with afterglow

Band

23 mm, polymer

Special features

1/100 second stopwatch, Timekeeping Mode, Countdown Timer, Auto-repeat function, Hourly Time Signal, Auto Calendar (pre-programmed until the year 2039)

Protection

660 feet and 20-bar water resistance

Warranty

1 year limited

PROS

The glass of the dial is made of acrylic of high strength and transparency and has increased scratch resistance.

CONS

The eyelet of the watchband feels flimsy.

OUR VERDICT

Original military-style watches PALADA are the choice of those who always look on the bright side of things. With this device, you can check the time and date, navigate according to the corners of the earth in any situation, in any lighting.

detailed parameters
Movement

Digital

Dial

Black 50.33 mm ABS plastic case, dial window of the acrylic mirror with high transparency, LED light

Band

24.4 mm, rubber

Special features

1/100 second digital stopwatch, auto calendar, hourly alarm and alarm clock, 12/24 hour formats, "LIGHT" button

Protection

164 feet water resistance, shock resistance

Warranty

2 years

PROS

The watch is equipped with Taiwan IC chipset and has a strong shock resistance. Thanks to these, you can be sure in accuracy movement and device endurance.

CONS

The watchband may not seem flexible enough.

OUR VERDICT

The CakCity sports watch will serve those who love minimalism and need only basic functionality. The model suits various sports activities, both outdoor and indoor.

detailed parameters
Movement

Digital

Dial

Black 47 mm rubber case, mineral glass dial window, LED light

Band

21 mm, polyurethane

Special features

Auto Date, Alarm, 1/100 second digital stopwatch, "LIGHT" button

Protection

164 feet water resistance, shock resistance

Warranty

2 years

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Casio G-SHOCK GA100-1A1

Aggressive minimalism

G-shock, with its aggressive appearance and heavy elements, demonstrates immunity to the external environment. You can carry out all sorts of ordinary operations without taking off the watch. Swim in the pool, ride a bike, take a shower - you can be sure that G-shock remains on your hand and performs its functions properly.

The watch goes in a minimalistic design: pure black without extra color elements. White arrows are clearly visible thanks to the contrast of colors. The uncovered screw heads look authentic. The three-eye part completes the concept of military tactical watches.

The model is addressed primarily to men, at least because of size. Consider 55x51x16.9 mm and 70 grams. It is unlikely to look harmonically on the female wrist. The watch has a 29mm resin band. It is significantly broader than watch straps of other models in the review. Casio did it intentionally to improve users' comfort. The watch does not cause problems when worn. You can live with it all day long.

Review of Casio G-SHOCK GA100-1A1 Military Series Watch

Good build quality

GA100 is a quartz watch. It does not have any extraordinary functions. It’s just a watch with a standard set of features that works well and stably. The manufacturer promises the battery life is to last for two years. Like any other G-shock, the GA-100 has protection from bumps, falls, dives (here - to a depth of 660 feet). You can use it in the gym, on a trip, on a hike - it will serve you faithfully.

The watch has two large buttons on each side of the case. You will quickly figure out how to use them without instructions, especially if you have already used G-shock before. The top button on the right turns on the LED backlight. Some people may consider as a disadvantage the fact that the light is uneven on the dial. It comes from a single bulb. Time is displayed in 48 cities of the world (29 time zones).

The alarm is pretty quiet, so we would not hope for it if you need to wake up in the morning and not be late for work. Anyhow, it can remind you of some events during the day. You can set five different signals. All in all, GA100 is a reliable and stable device in its price category. Although there is no wide variety of options, all of them work perfectly.

Casio G-SHOCK GA100-1A1 Military Series Watch in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $97.45
Stock In stock
ASIN B003WPUU0U

 

Timex TW4B10200

Vintage military style

Timex is a company in good standing. It produces trendy watches that are suitable for both special professions and daily wear. The Tw4B10200 is a twin of famous Timex T49905 with a leather strap. The only difference is the strap material. The new model comes with a stylish sand-colored nylon band (or light khaki, to whom it is more convenient). It is made of four layers of nylon, a material known for its strength and endurance. Such nine-lived watchband will serve you much longer than the leather one. Moreover, it feels exceptionally comfortable on the hand. The color of the dial is traditionally black. The numbers are light beige in tone with the strap. The watch is originally for men. It is quite large, with a simple design that is unlikely to fit into any female image. The Tw4B10200 is a godsend for lovers of classic style. These vintage military watches differ from modern massive models which demonstrate a kind of rough elements. At the same, the watches are durable and stable. You can rely on them in any situation. Feel free to take them on a military mission, on an intense trip, to the gym. They will not disappoint you.

Review of Timex TW4B10200 Expedition Chronograph Watch

High-end lighting

Timex is a developer and owner of exclusive lighting technology. More than fifteen years ago, the company patented it under the name Indiglo, and it acts as the brand's claim to fame. Indiglo backlight technology uses unique material that provides a higher contrast between the background of the dial and the numbers themselves. Thanks to that, you get an easy, quick, and convenient reading of the figures.

Another advantage of Indiglo lighting is that it is very economical and uses less power compared to other backlight systems. You can be sure that the battery will last for a long time. Anyhow, a bang-on illumination is not the only option for which you will love Timex. It has a set of features that make the use of watch even more pleasant and productive. In addition to the main dial, the watch has three sub-dials that track minutes, seconds and 1/20 seconds during 30 minutes. You can easily set the date using the Quick Date function. Note that you don't need to turn the crown for every 24-hour. Simply, pull the stem halfway out and turn it to set the exact date. Timex military watches have a significant water-resistance of 330 feet and are highly resistant to strong shocks.

Timex TW4B10200 Expedition Chronograph Watch in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $55.05
Stock In stock
ASIN B01JO75SJC

 

Casio DW5600E-1V

Old school look

It is surprising that even though this watch is already 31 years old, the appearance of the model is still trendy and modern. How many long-lived watches like these do you know? They are present in the minds of several generations as a symbol of the G-Shock line. The Casio G-Shock DW-5600E has the most necessary and popular functions of military and sports watches. The stopwatch in this model can measure time with an accuracy of 1/100 of a second. The maximum measurement time is 24 hours. Both a timer and timer with auto-repeat can start the countdown in the opposite direction in the prescribed time.

The watch has a strong case and durable band made of molded polymer plastic. The buttons built of stainless steel seem to be timeless. Small overall dimensions (width 48.9mm x height 42.8mm x depth 13.4mm) make the watch almost imperceptible on the wrist. Weight is only 53 grams. The upper left button, which sets, for example, time, is slightly recessed into the case so that you do not accidentally press it.

Caring for convenience is a characteristic feature of Casio engineers when designing watches.

Review of Casio DW5600E-1V Shock-resistant Watch

Robust mechanism

The DW5600E-1V is a quartz watch that belongs to the Casio G-Shock range. Like all watches in this series, they have excellent shock and water resistance. In this case, water-resistance reaches 200 m which allows you to do even scuba diving at a depth of 20 m. Needless to say, in these watches you can take a shower or go to the pool - such loads are entirely trivial for them. Watches work perfectly in both fresh and saltwater. They withstand heavy shocks and falls from a height. In addition to displaying time, the device features include an alarm clock, timer, stopwatch, and a calendar. You can see the date and month in the upper right corner. In the left corner, there are the current day of the week, alarm icon, and the time of day. The bottom line shows the present time with seconds. Also, you can find there a timer and stopwatch. The backlight starts to blink every time you use timer, alarm, or stopwatch. This option is very convenient if, for example, you forget that you have a timer running or when you activate the signal in the evening. The DW5600E-1V offers four alarm options: daily, monthly, dated (for a particular date) alarm, and alarm for every day of a specific month. Mineral glass protects the display surface, no plastic.

Casio DW5600E-1V Shock-resistant Watch in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $52.62
Stock In stock
ASIN B000GAYQKY

 

PALADA T7005G

Sports spirit

The laconic Palada watch will be a great addition to a sporty look or another casual style. A large round dial, big numbers, convenient adjustment buttons - the watch has a complete set of qualities that make it pleasant and trouble-free to use. The dial is made of acrylic, which is just another name for plastic. Do not rush to be upset about this. Yes, this material is less prestigious than sapphire crystal used in premium class watches. However, it is considered to be very durable and resistant to cracks and fractures. Moreover, it can be quickly restored. It is easy to make it look like a new after severe damage (for example, numerous scratches).

The band comes in rubber. This material is a common choice for the production of sports and tactical watches, as it is quite durable and sturdy. If you are used to nylon or leather watchbands, the sensations may be a little unusual. If possible, try on a watch with a rubber strap before buying. Overall, this material is quite comfortable and practical to wear.

T7005G is pretty light. The weight is 57 grams. You will not feel uncomfortable even if you wear it all day. Anyhow, the watch is unlikely suitable for women due to its extensive details.

Review of PALADA T7005G Waterproof Tactical Watch

Essential functionality

Palada is just a good watch with a minimal set of additional options. Such a watch is perfect for athletes, active tourists, and just people who need a reliable mechanism in any weather conditions. The T7005G is water-resistant. You can be sure that it will not break if you get caught in the rain or take a shower. However, the watch cannot stand the great depth. Therefore, it is not suitable for divers or snorkelers. Anyway, if you happen to swim in the watch, do not press any buttons in the water. These actions may cause a malfunction.

Keep in mind that the T7005G does not have real barometer and compass. Even though you can see the corresponded icons on the dial, these features are present only in the form of decoration. Therefore, if you really need them, the watch will not work for you.

As for the essential functions - the watch covers all of them. It accurately shows the time, has 1/100 second digital stopwatch, auto calendar, hourly alarm and alarm clock, shock resistance, 12/24 hour formats. The dial is highlighted with LED backlight. To activate it, press a special button on the side of the dial. You will face no trouble reading out time, even in total darkness.

PALADA T7005G Waterproof Tactical Watch in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $18.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B015H3KYLO

 

CakCity 1068

Simple and reliable

The CakCity 1068 is the original sports watch. It is a unique attribute in everyday life. The watch organically fits into any style. It looks great with sports, casual, or even business looks, thanks to its modest design and compact dimensions. Robust, shock and water-resistant - these military watches are suitable for all kinds of sports activities - running, jumping, wrestling, etc. They will become a reliable assistant for fans of an active lifestyle, travelers, hikers, and so on.

The CakCity is suitable for those who need only basic functionality. The watch covers options of automatic date, alarm, 1/100 second digital stopwatch, “LIGHT” button. It has a black polyurethane band which is convenient to wear and remove. However, you may feel uncomfortable if carrying the CakCity 1068 all day long. The watchband is quite soft but still not flexible enough.

The watch can withstand impacts of any strength and are almost “death proof.” If you like ball games (football, soccer, basketball), don’t worry if the ball hits the watch. It can easily withstand such kind of pressure. Also, the watch perfectly meets falls from a height.

Review of CakCity 1068 Military Watch

Accurate movement

Despite the minimum set of options and simple design, the CakCity 1068 demonstrates high reliability and accuracy of the movement. No failures and bugs. Your watch will never be too slow or too fast. The built-in Taiwan IC chipset guarantees a stable and durable watch work.

Another plus of the CakCity watch is its almost huge numbers on a large black dial. One glance is enough to scan the information. It is very convenient while you, for example, are running or riding a bike or a horse. The dial backlight is implemented with high quality. Due to the great contrast of colors, you can quickly distinguish the numbers on the dial even in the inky darkness.

The watch has a solid rubber case. As in the majority of models in this price category, producers use mineral glass to cover the dial. The main advantages of such glass include high strength, a rare occurrence of scratches during operation, simple polishing, long product life, easy maintenance.

In general, this model is for those who just need a watch without extra frills. The main functions work smoothly if used according to the instructions. The watch is very practical.

CakCity 1068 Military Watch in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $15.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B018HTGSN8

 

What Is a Military Watch?

Military watches are all about functionality, accuracy, and safety. People choose such a watch because they expect it to work correctly in all conditions in any place. Whether it is a forest or desert, no glitches are acceptable. It is generally believed that military watches do not pay attention to the design. Usually, they have a simple black dial, massive case, and easy-to-zip band. The numbers on the dial are large, in a contrasting color for excellent readability.

Timing accuracy, reliable power, and longevity are the must-have features of the military watch. With this in mind, it's typically quartz, battery-powered, with high impact resistance. In modern watches, there are many extra options, such as GPS, chronometer, thermometer, compass, alarm clock, calendar, etc. They are to serve militarists and outdoor people in various situations.

Today, military watches are the choice of active people who prefer simple and robust technologies.

We also recommend you to check out these best running watches and GoPro camera reviews.

What Features to Compare

Durability

Pay attention to the materials used in the model you like. A watch made of titanium will serve long years. The nylon band is durable and comfortable on the wrist. However, you may also consider a rubber or polymer as they are amply abrasion-resistant. Mineral glass is a common proven material used for designing watch dials. It is scratch and shock resistant and works well in the selected price category.

Power Source

Although many watch experts prefer a manual or automatic winding, it is not the best choice for military watches. The self-winding mechanism does not guarantee precise timing. If you need exact accuracy, choose watches with the kinetic or solar power sources. Note that quartz watches with the plug-in battery are considered the most accurate. If the battery works basing on solar energy, you will not need to change it for years.

Water Resistance

Today it is challenging to find a military watch without the waterproof option. You should consider your preferences when examining this functionality. If you need your watch to work fine under the rain or while swimming, the basic indicators of water resistance will be enough. If you are actively diving, you need a watch that can withstand heavy loads. Some models allow you to submerge to a depth of 600 feet and more.

Night Vision

An important option that will enable you to determine the time regardless of the time of day. Whether you are running, hiking, or simply walking in the night time, it is essential to recognize figures at first glance. Before buying, test the watch in a dark room. Make sure that you can clearly distinguish the lettering on the dial in both good and poor lighting.

Design

Even though military watches are primarily about functionality and less about visual appearance, it is paradoxical that many people choose them precisely for their nontrivial design. A large watch with heavy elements may look very stylish both on a strong male and delicate female wrist. Military watches are often positioned as unisex, although there are purely female and male models. First of all, you should stay comfortable, so pay attention to the weight of the product. Everything else is a matter of taste and habit.

Other Features and Perks

Since the watches are mainly produced for the militaries, athletes and simply people who love active rest, additional functions usually include a stopwatch, countdown timer, distance input selection, chronograph, alarm, etc. Some models also have an auto-calendar and several time zones with the ability to swap between the home city and world time. All these options are designed to create maximum comfort in your daily life.

Did you know?

How it all started

The success of a military operation largely depends on how smoothly all the participants work. Therefore, it is not surprising that small portable watches were created primarily for officers, and then became available to civilians.

Initially, folding table models were in high demand. They had special side supports that were holding the watch on a flat surface while driving. The producer of such models was Breguet. They were much more convenient for militarists than exquisite pocket watches.

It is funny that people considered the wrist version only as the accessory for ladies that served as a decoration. Therefore, wristwatches were not in demand for a long time. A few believed that such a small mechanism is accurate, that it can withstand severe loads, and will also be convenient in daily use.

The wrist model received its recognition at the end of the 19th century when British officers successfully used such watches during the military operations.

Army standards left their mark on the appearance of watches. They became highly wear-resistant and protected from external influences. The case was smooth, without decor. The glass was additionally protected with a metal lid - solid or grille. A discreet and straightforward design without accessories aimed not to attract the attention of the opponent. The details did not cling to clothes during use.

Changes in the design

Over time, the design and materials of the product changed significantly. As a result, the watch became more durable:

  • glass has a particular composition, which withstands heavy loads;
  • the shock-resistant case is protected from dust and moisture;
  • a sturdy metal replaces the thin dial;
  • arrows, numbers, and divisions received a luminescent coating;
  • a stop mechanism has been introduced to synchronize several watches.

Military watches gained popularity among civilians. Nowadays, the fashion for this accessory has grown quickly and successfully. Today, a watch is a common accessory for an ordinary consumer. They qualitatively perform the main function, telling the time. But specialized army models can be equipped with additional options:

  • bezel - a timer convenient for time-limited activities (for example, for the work of divers);
  • anti-magnetic screen;
  • tachometer - determines the speed of your movement;
  • chronograph and calendar;
  • compass;
  • dial with special markings - 24 hours, red sectors for radio operators, etc.;
  • automatic winding - allows you to use the watches without worrying about their charge, which is especially convenient in field conditions, far from comfort.
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Publish Date: 2019-09-30 12:14:04